I'm kind of in your boat as well. Trying to get a gig as an analyst somewhere whether it's acquisitions, AM, lending or whatever and end goal is development.

From what I see from the development side, unless you're looking at the big players like an Extell, Related, Tishman, etc., most development shops run pretty small and don't have the need for Analysts as their not running multiple projects per year. Most guys would be project managers or so which would probably require some sort of advanced degree. In NYC, I would assume these roles get snagged by the MSRED from Columbia. I've heard started out in Lending is good if end goal is Developememt especially if you work on construction loan deals. I'm sure others with more experience and knowledge can chime in.

 

I think thats a great way. You learn the technical side to understand the deal particulars first. The next step would be in some kind of 'Development Associate' role where you shadow the lead development manager to gather skills needed to coordinate building something. The best thing about Development is honestly I think many will agree there are many paths to it. Some came from dirt, some came from capital and others through conventional RE firms.

 
  1. Join ULI. As a student it's less than $100 I think.
  2. Attend some events. They're typically free to $15.
  3. Use the ULI member database to horde loads of unpublished email addresses from company Presidents, CEOs, and head of developments.
  4. Email said people, asking for a phone call or coffee to chat
  5. Keep an eye on the SelectLeaders job board for postings
  6. Profit
Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
Best Response

As someone else had mentioned, there are numerous paths into development. As an analyst for a regional developer (luxury residential and urban mixed-use), I will say that the financial aspect of development - albeit very important -is a small part of what you would expect to be doing as an analyst. This has been my experience at a smaller firm, and I imagine things to be more streamlined at bigger shops (but at someone had mentioned, those shops are tough to break into and probably require a target MSRED or MBA). I would argue that understanding how to navigate your local entitlement process (permits, zoning, neighborhood associations, design review boards, application deadlines, municipal meeting timelines, etc.) and fundamental knowledge of construction/design/engineering (knowing how to read and compare proposals, understanding scopes of work) is significantly more valuable in an analyst interview than financial modeling/deal underwriting experience. Your role will most likely involve a great deal of coordination with contractors and consultants, presentation preparation, and communication with all stakeholders (investors, partners, contactors, municipalities, etc.), so knowing every detail for every facet of your project is extremely important.

 

Develop some kind of basic niche specialization before you immediately seek a development position. Most active developers are thinly staffed organizations who do not have the time/resources to train someone soup to nuts on every component of the development cycle. If you can justify a value-add position in one major component of the cylce, you stand a much better chance of elbowing yourself in. I think any of the following are legitimate pre-development starting points:

  1. Brokerage. Office leasing (landlord rep), investment sales, debt/equity finance.
  2. Underwriting. Could be in acquisitions, as a lending team analyst, originations, even banking outside of RE.
  3. General contractor. Project executive track, not fieldwork track (generally).
  4. Lawyer. Typically lateral transitions from contract law experience.
 

Ut ut non dolores quia. Nostrum quia id ut delectus. Unde cupiditate vero quaerat voluptatem blanditiis eum voluptas. Molestiae architecto possimus animi quos ad voluptas.

Ut est sed provident perspiciatis est. Quo optio aperiam error deserunt. Et dolorem reprehenderit voluptates.

Modi eaque quis et et minus dolor. Consequuntur omnis odit qui molestias. Molestias ut sint minus debitis ut qui amet a. Natus voluptatem velit ad ipsa quo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”